News Release
Minister Kenney launches online Canadian black history museum as part of Black History Month
Ottawa, February 1, 2011 — Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, marked the beginning of Black History Month with the launch of a new, online black history museum at an event held today in Ottawa. Special guests included Fitzroy Gordon, President of CARN 987 Radio in Toronto and noted baseball great Ferguson Jenkins.
“Black History Month is an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the valuable contributions of the black community to our national identity,” said Minister Kenney. “That's why the Government of Canada is proud to support this museum, an interactive forum for Canadians of all ages and backgrounds to explore the history of black Canadians.”
Starting today, Canadian Black History: an Interactive Experience can be accessed through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. An educational initiative developed by CIC in partnership with black cultural institutions and historical sites across the country, the museum allows users to learn a little bit about people, places, and artifacts. It includes a challenging treasure hunt, designed as a learning activity for youth and educators alike.
This is the 15th anniversary of official celebrations of Black History Month, and this year, the theme is “Proud of Our History.” The month will focus on the exceptional accomplishments of black Canadians including noted rancher John Ware, journalist and human rights activist Carrie Best, baseball star Ferguson Jenkins, and hockey player and humanitarian Jarome Iginla.
To raise awareness, CIC will also launch a series of public service announcements featuring historical accomplishments of black Canadians, to be aired on television stations across Canada, and online.
For more information about these and other events happening nation-wide, visit our website at www.cic.gc.ca/blackhistorymonth.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alykhan Velshi
Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations @ cic.gc.ca